Post-Nirbhaya changes in laws not yielded results due to poor implementation, say experts

The changes made to criminal law after the 2012 Nirbhaya case have not yielded the desired results as the problem lies with implementation to make the law a deterrent, legal experts say, making it clear that unless laws are implemented effectively, no progress can be made on the ground.

The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, provided for rigorous life term and even death sentence for rape convicts besides stringent punishment for offences like acid attacks, stalking and voyeurism.

While senior advocates Aishwarya Bhati and Rebecca John welcomed the amendments, they also said other effective measure were required for a visible change on the ground.

Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa said anti-rape laws are not inadequate and were stringent even before the 2013 amendment and the Indian Penal Code covers each and every act of sexual offence.

The changes were made after the Justice J S Verma Committee recommended enhancing imprisonment for rape and death caused by rape to up to 20 years and life for gang rape but refrained from suggesting death penalty in such cases.

Bhati welcomed the changes made to the law but said the problem essentially was with its implementation. She said the amendment expanded the definition of rape, and offences like stalking, acid attack and voyeurism, which were serious but not taken seriously, have been prescribed with stringent punishment.

She said the police force has not been empowered and does not inspire confidence among citizens.

"You need to empower police. First empower them and then make them accountable. Police officials are put in other duties, they are put in VIP movements," Bhati said.

She said the justice delivery system was also sluggish and there was a need for a course correction.

Senior advocate John, who was of the view that enhancing punishment for the sexual offences was not an answer to the problem, said measures more effective than that were required.

Suggesting measures, she said rape accused should be prosecuted within a time frame and the application of laws must be equal for all; those belonging to political parties should not be treated differently.

"There should be speedy prosecution and trial in such cases. Show empathy towards the victims of sexual offences and the victim should not be humiliated, which is done on a daily basis in courts," she said. "Each case has to be treated with the same pace and sensitivity. We should look at violence across the spectrum. We are fixated by one case here. You should treat all cases equally and unless it is done, there will not be any change on the ground."